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European Christendom, 500-1300. Eastern Christendom: Byzantine Empire Western Christendom, 500-900 Crisis & Technological Change, 850-1050 Western Xndom, 1050-1300 IDs: Hagia Sophia, vassal, Three Orders model, Normans . Argument.
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European Christendom, 500-1300 • Eastern Christendom: Byzantine Empire • Western Christendom, 500-900 • Crisis & Technological Change, 850-1050 • Western Xndom, 1050-1300 IDs: Hagia Sophia, vassal, Three Orders model, Normans
Argument • The creation of a decentralized system of government, called feudalism or lordship, in western Christendom, was a logical result of needs for local defense, German/Viking warrior culture and the military dominance of mounted knights.
I. Eastern Christendom: Byzantine Empire • Wealthier • More urban • Orthodox Christianity • Greek
Eastern Europe & Russia converted by missionaries from Constantinople Orthodox Christianity
Byzantine Empire bears brunt of defense against Muslim Armies: Protects Western Christendom
II. Western Xndom, 500-900 Early Middle Ages • Characteristics rural local Roman (Catholic) Christianity Latin
B. Mix of 3 influences • Roman culture
2. Germanic culture Warrior Aristocracy – most respected Roughly egalitarian society “King” was a war leader His band were tied to him by personal relationships & choice Non-military decisions made by council
3. The Church 1. Strongest centralizing structure in Xndom Priests Bishops Pope in Rome
2. Monasticism Monasteries Monks/nuns
C. Government: Germanic Kingdoms Weak central authority of kings Strong authority of local lords
Charlemagne Strong & successful war-leader Personal charisma Support of churchmen and warriors
Pope crowns Charlemagne “Roman Emperor” on Christmas Day, 800
III. Crisis & Technological Change, 850-1050 A. New Invasions • Vikings • Muslims • Magyars
B. Viking Technology Ships Keel rudder
Viking graffiti in the Church of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople
C. From Raiders to Settlers: “Normans” Charles, King of West Frankland (later France) Rollo, Viking Chief Duke of Normandy 912
Political Solution Give invaders land Make their leader acknowledge the overlordship of the king Convert them to Christianity Result: New warriors; new energy Normans rule in Normandy, England, Sicily & become important Crusaders
William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy) attacks England in 1066 Bayeux Tapestry
Peasants seek protection Local lord protects peasants from invaders Peasants become his serfs (bound to work his land) and give him produce & labor
3. Mounted Knights Human Tank
E. Agricultural Inventions, ca. 1000 • Horse collar • Heavy plow Result: Agricultural Revolution
F. Result: Big Shift in Western Xndom ca. 1000 No more invasions More wealth from land Trade increases Population increases More power to knights 2 results: System of Feudalism (Lordship) expands Western Christendom starts expanding outward (from invaded to invader)
IV. Western Xndom, 1050-1300“Medieval Europe” • Growth in power & influence of The Church, especially pope
B. Gov’t.: Medieval European Feudalism or Lordship (1100-1300) Knights: Lord – vassal relationships Lord gives vassal a fief (usually land) & protection. Vassal gives lord military service & loyalty. Vassal pledges homage to lord.
C. Three Orders model Those who pray clergy Those who fight nobility Those who work peasants (everyone else)
Reality Vassals often not loyal Constant warfare No external enemy Nobles & clergy take agricultural surplus from serfs.
D. Chivalry: “Civilizing” knights 1st Stage – 1000-1150 – Military prowess & loyalty 2nd Stage – 1150-1300 – Courtly love
Argument The creation of a decentralized system of government, called feudalism or lordship, in western Christendom, was a logical result of needs for local defense, German/Viking warrior culture and the military dominance of mounted knights.